Marvel's Tiger Shark holds many similarities to one of DC's famous villains. While the rival companies' King Shark certainly seems like a parallel version of the character though, there's actually a lot more to Marvel's predator than many fans may know.
Tiger Shark debuted in the comics in 1968 in a Sub-Mariner story. He has since gone on to create quite the career for himself, although he has remained one of Marvel's d-list villains. There's always a better future for Todd Arliss though as the universe continues to develop and change, giving him more opportunities to carry out his evil plans.
10 Aquatic Origins
Before ever setting his sites on villainy, Arliss was actually a very accomplished swimmer. Ironically, he got his powers because of something heroic that he did, which ultimately cost him his career.
He injured his back when helping someone who was thrown overboard a ship. This meant that he could no longer be a professional swimmer. Like any good comic story, he was therefore experimented on to see if he could be healed.
9 Enhanced DNA
Perhaps in a fortunate, or maybe even unfortunate turn of events, depending on what Tiger Shark wanted, the materials used to help Todd included shark DNA.
What's more, it also included elements of Namor, the Prince of Atlantis himself. Once bonded with Todd, he was gifted with amazing water-based powers that likely will never be replicated again.
8 Appearance Changes
One of the odd inconsistencies of the character is that he can often appear as either a human or some kind of shark creature. This is usually based on what the writer and artist need the character for.
It's become a part of the story that Todd can change between his forms at will, although it appears that this has become more erratic as his power shifts with his age.
7 Keep It In The Family
A surprising fact about Tiger Shark is that his sister is actually married to one of his arch nemeses. Stingray and the monster from the deep have battled one another for many years.
Incredibly, Dianne Arliss fell in love with the man behind the Stingray mask and the two got married. This has got to sting particularly for Tiger Shark as his own family essentially abandoned him.
6 A Bad Father's Day
Namor and Tiger Shark may have a complex relationship although they have usually found themselves on the opposite sides. In fact, Tiger Shark has even tried to take the aquatic throne from the Prince.
One of the things that Namor could never forgive the shark for was killing his father. During one fight Tiger Shark dispatched of Leonard McKenzie, the human father of the Sub-Mariner.
5 Adamantium Enhancements
Tiger Shark might have a full range of powers including enhanced strength, durability, healing, and of course the ability to swim underwater, but sometimes even this isn't enough.
He has been known to use adamantium teeth in the past to really give himself the edge. This makes him even more dangerous and a threat to characters like Wolverine or those that wear normally impenetrable armor.
4 Fishy Friends
One of his friends is Llyra, who he has gone to when in trouble. The two have worked together to help Tiger Shark get his powers under control and be a dominant force again.
The Lemurian mutant isn't very good at staying on the same side though, as she has also worked alongside Namor to reclaim his throne. Their friendship may just be as fleeting as a wave.
3 Villain For Hire
Audiences have heard for the Heroes For Hire, but Misty Knight decided to turn up profits by setting up the Villains For Hire. The group consisted of some minor rogues from across the Marvel Universe.
Amongst these were Lady Stilt-Man, Speed Demon, Nightshade, and of course Tiger Shark. Their main enemies were a similar team created by the Purple Man.
2 Television Debut
Tiger Shark may just be a bit of a celebrity after appearing on TV! The villain was one of the many lesser-known rogues that were featured on the New Warriors reality show.
They hunted down Tiger Shark along with a few other criminals, sending him back to prison after an escape from the Raft. It was a successful mission for the New Warriors, unlike their era-defining battle against Nitro in the future. On this mission though it was Night Thrasher that came through.
1 Fear Itself
Fear Itself was an event that saw various characters from across the universe chosen as some kind of ancient warrior. While Attuma was amongst those chosen, he needed bodyguards that he could trust.
He enlisted the help of Tiger Shark amongst others, to help defend his new throne and ultimately succeed in the ongoing war between the forces of darkness and light. Needless to say, much like the rest of Tiger Shark's career, the group failed.